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Seniors had the opportunity to participate in the traditional walk across the stage in the Center for the Performing Arts on May 17.

The Class of 2020 enjoyed a nostalgic drive through campus at the first-ever Senior Mobile Recognition Ceremony on May 18.

Celebrating the Magnificat Class of 2020

When the Class of 2020 began their Magnificat journey to represent the dozen red roses they would carry in the four years ago, no one could have predicted that it traditional Commencement ceremony. Graduates had their would end with their last semester of school being names read by Dean of Student Life and Formation, Mrs. Mary canceled due to a worldwide pandemic. In the face of such Therese Dwyer-Kueller, received their diplomas from Dean reality, the Class of 2020 demonstrated strength, resilience, of Faculty and Academics, Ms. Marilyn Arundel ’76, as they and grace as they completed their final Magnificat milestones, walked across the stage, and posed for a graduation portrait. and the entire community came together to creatively The following morning, Monday, May 18, senior parents celebrate their accomplishments in new ways. gathered at the school in the rain to decorate the route for The first task was reimagining what the Commencement the first-ever Magnificat Senior Mobile Recognition Ceremony, ceremony would look like. Recognizing the importance of which would take place that afternoon. The skies cleared the traditional walk across the stage in the Center for the as the Class of 2020 gathered at St. Christopher Parish to Performing Arts, faculty and staff designed a modified begin their celebratory and emotional drive to and through ceremony on Sunday, May 17 in which each graduate and two campus. The church bells tolled as they received a blessing guests were permitted in the theater at a time. Each graduate from Sr. Helen Jean Novy, HM, and words of encouragement was given a single red rose, donated by Magnificat alumnae, and pride from President Moira Clark ’77. Faculty, staff,

family, and friends lined the Magnificat parking lot as each student drove through campus in celebration of their many accomplishments during their four years at Magnificat. Baccalaureate, which had been scheduled for July 23, was conducted virtually, with the help of our Campus Ministers, our Performing Arts Department, and Fr. John Chlebo from St. Christopher Parish. Finally, on July 25, students and families who wished to attend gathered for an outdoor, socially-distant Commencement ceremony on Karnatz Family Field — the first of its kind in Magnificat’s 65-year history.

Students who could not attend in person received a link to their virtual Commencement, a video that was recorded in May when it was unclear whether we could gather as a community. Diplomas and a dozen roses were delivered to the members of the Class of 2020 who participated virtually at their homes in advance of the July 25th ceremony. It was unexpected and untraditional, yet it was a special time for the Class of 2020 nonetheless. We are so proud of our graduates, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to live Mary’s Magnificat in the world.

Top row L-R: Dena Neville, chosen by her classmates, was the Class of 2020 student speaker. Mara Horning received the Sr. Mary Pat Cook, HM, Leadership Award. Lauren Gray received the Nancy Powell Service Award. Bottom Row L-R: Chloe Becker was named Phi Beta Kappa and received the Sr. Bernadette Vetter, HM Award. Graduates stand as they begin their journey as Magnificat alumnae.